May thru October, 2013

Faster. Smoother. Better. Done.

On May 19, 2013, as part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Building a New Chicago initiative, CTA launched its Red Line South Reconstruction Project—to completely rebuild the 10.2-mile stretch from just north of Cermak-Chinatown to 95th Street. The 44-year-old line had exceeded its expected lifespan and was plagued by slow zones and delays.

Five months later, the $425 million project—funded by Governor Pat Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! program—delivered a brand new railroad.

On Sunday, October 20, 2013, CTA returned trains to service and unveiled many station improvements, completing the project on time and on budget.

An Important Investment in Public Transit on the South Side

80,000 riders returning to the Red Line will experience a much different commute:

A daily, round-trip commute between 95th/Dan Ryan and downtown that is up to 20 minutes faster.

A brand new track bed, including new rail ties, tracks and ballast (the stone material along the tracks).

Eight cleaned and painted stations with new lighting and improved amenities.

New elevators at Garfield, 63rd and 87th stations, making the entire south Red Line accessible to customers with disabilities.

More than Just a New Railroad: New Jobs and Business Opportunities

From community meetings and job fairs to meet-and greets between Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and prime contractors, CTA has recognized the need to invest not only in the south Red Line, but in the residents of the affected communities, as well.

The results have been tremendous.

The Red Line South Reconstruction Project created more than 1,500 jobs including approximately 1,000 construction-related jobs, more than 400-plus bus operators and 100 Traffic Control Aides.

Following months of outreach to the South Side business community, DBEs were heavily involved in the project, with contracts totaling $82.5 million. Of that amount, approximately $56.4 million went to African-American firms.